University of Northern Colorado officials still expecting a check in the mail from Florida

The University of Florida still owes the University of Northern Colorado $625,000, and the NCAA is expected to tell the Bears yay or nay.

The tab for the Gators comes from the regularly scheduled football game between the two teams Sept. 9 that had a guaranteed payout. The game was canceled because of Hurricane Irma.

The answer expected from the NCAA is in reference to UNC's self-imposed penalties for violating NCAA rules involving the men's basketball team and then head coach BJ Hill, who resigned along with his staff.

On Friday afternoon, UNC Athletic Director Darren Dunn said both issues still are on the Bears' wishlist of things to accomplish sooner rather than later.

"There have been a number of conversations (between Florida and UNC), and I feel confident about the outcome for our athletic department," Dunn said.

The conversations have been between officials from both schools, not specifically those of the athletic departments.

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"There are details to work through and a resolution to work through," Dunn added.

Whirlwind windfall?

When asked if he felt the Florida settlement would be less than the original guarantee, Dunn said, "Not necessarily. I'm not sure what the number will be, though."

The game was not rescheduled because the schools didn't share a common open date, but officials have remained in contact to determine what to do about the promised payout.

Originally, Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin told the Gainsville Sun the payoff was being negotiated, but little progress has been made since September.

More recently, Stricklin has had to deal with the resignation of head coach Jim McElwain and hiring a new football coach. Stricklin was unavailable for comment Friday afternoon.

The Bears never left Greeley, as Hurricane Irma was expected to reach land sometime shortly after the regularly scheduled game.

Alternative plans — which included playing the game the Friday night before — never materialized. Stricklin even had conversations with Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs about moving the game to Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium, but that didn't pan out, either.

Over a three-day span, UNC's travel plans were altered several times before Florida officials announced Thursday — two days before the game — it was officially canceled.

Men's hoops postseason play

When learning of the NCAA violations related to the Bears' men's basketball team, UNC officials immediately contacted the NCAA and came up with a self-imposed penalty plan that included not being eligible for the Big Sky Conference postseason tournament this past fall, along with a reduction in scholarships.

UNC men's basketball coach Jeff Linder is planning on his team qualifying for the conference postseason tournament in March.

"I think a decision on that will come soon (from the NCAA)," Dunn said. "It's public information that it comes within 30 to 60 days from our last (conference) meeting."

UNC officials met with conference officials in late September.

"I'm hopeful, but I don't want to pin a specific date down," Dunn said. "It takes time, but I'm not worried.

"I don't worry about things I can't control. I feel good about the process and how we interacted and partnered with the NCAA from day one."